In today’s hyper-connected world, our smartphones are practically glued to our hands. But what if you could untether yourself, even just a little, and still remain in the loop? That’s where the magic of the modern smartwatch comes in. These aren’t just time-telling devices anymore; they’re miniature command centers on your wrist, capable of managing notifications, tracking your health, controlling your smart home, and so much more.
Forget constantly digging into your pocket or bag. The best smartwatches put essential information and quick actions right where you need them – accessible with a flick of your wrist. Whether you’re an iPhone loyalist or an Android aficionado, there’s a perfect wearable waiting to seamlessly integrate into your life.
WIRED’s expert reviewers have put countless models through their paces, meticulously testing features, battery life, comfort, and overall usability. This guide compiles our top picks for 2025, helping you navigate the crowded market and find the smartwatch that truly fits your needs and style.
Smartwatch vs. Fitness Tracker vs. Smart Ring: What’s the Difference?
Before diving into specific recommendations, it’s crucial to understand the nuances between these popular wearable categories.
- Smartwatches: These are the powerhouses. Think of them as extensions of your smartphone. They offer a rich app ecosystem, allowing you to respond to messages, control smart home devices, access voice assistants (like Siri or Gemini), and manage a vast array of functions. The trade-off? Battery life typically lasts a day or two at best. They excel at rich notifications and app interactivity.
- Fitness Trackers: If your priority is health and activity monitoring with extended battery life, a fitness tracker might be your best bet. While they offer robust health and fitness tracking (often on par with or exceeding smartwatches), their app capabilities are more limited. You might be able to read texts or control music, but don’t expect full app functionality. Their battery life can stretch to a week or more.
- Smart Rings: These are the minimalist option. Smart rings, like those from Oura and Ultrahuman, focus on core health metrics such as sleep and heart rate, boasting impressive battery life (up to a week). However, they generally lack automatic workout tracking and extensive notification features. They’re best suited for those who want discreet health monitoring and can complement a smartwatch.
Beyond the Basics: Personalizing Your Smartwatch
One of the most appealing aspects of smartwatches is their customizability. You’re not stuck with the strap that comes in the box. Most smartwatches feature interchangeable straps, allowing you to tailor your device’s look to your outfit or mood. Apple Watch, Google Pixel Watch, and Samsung Galaxy Watches often employ proprietary systems, but many others support standard analog watch straps. Simply check the strap size (often indicated as 20mm or 22mm) on your watch or in its specifications, and you’re good to go. It’s a simple yet effective way to make your smartwatch truly your own.
A Note on Smartwatch Strap Materials: Health Considerations
A recent study published in late 2024 brought to light potential concerns regarding PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in certain smartwatch straps. Specifically, "fluoroelastomer" straps, a type of synthetic rubber often found on smartwatches and fitness trackers, were found to contain high concentrations of PFHx4, a PFAS chemical linked to various health issues. While the extent of skin absorption is still under investigation, if you’re concerned, opt for straps made from materials like silicone, metal, or leather, and steer clear of fluoroelastomer bands. Apple’s Sport Bands and Google’s Active Band are examples that use this material.
Our Top Smartwatch Picks for 2025:
Best Smartwatch for iPhone Users: Apple Watch Series 11
Price: $399 ($350 on Amazon)
Apple’s annual refresh of its flagship smartwatch continues to impress, and the Series 11 is no exception. For iPhone users, this remains the undisputed champion, striking a near-perfect balance between features and price. The headline upgrade this year is a game-changing battery life. Gone is the frustrating 18-hour runtime; the Series 11 now boasts a full 24 hours on a single charge. This means you can finally wear your watch to bed to track your sleep without worrying about it dying overnight.
Health enthusiasts will appreciate the new hypertension notifications, an FDA-cleared feature that can alert you to potential signs of high blood pressure. While not a diagnostic tool, it’s a valuable early warning system that prompts you to consult a physician. Apple has also introduced a Sleep Score, offering a more comprehensive understanding of your sleep quality, and blood oxygen sensing makes a welcome return.
It’s worth noting that some of these advancements, like hypertension notifications and Sleep Score, are also available on the older Series 10 via a software update. If you can find a Series 10 on sale, it might be a compelling alternative. However, the all-day battery life of the Series 11 is a significant leap forward that’s hard to ignore.
Key Specs:
- Case Size: 42mm or 46mm
- Compatibility: iOS
- Connectivity: Cellular, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi options
- Straps: Proprietary
- Top Health Features: Hypertension notifications, heart-rate tracking, irregular heart rate notifications, sleep apnea notifications, blood oxygen sensing, skin temperature sensing, ECG, sleep tracking, cycle tracking, fall detection, crash detection.
Best Smartwatch for Android Users: Google Pixel Watch 4
Price: $400 ($350 on Amazon for 45mm)
Google’s latest Pixel Watch is a triumph of design and functionality for the Android ecosystem. It’s also Google’s first repairable smartwatch, a significant step for sustainability and longevity, with parts available through iFixit. The design is simply gorgeous, featuring a new domed display that gives it a sophisticated, premium feel.
Under the hood, the new Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear W5 Gen 2 chipset delivers snappy performance, while Google’s Material 3 Expressive redesign makes the interface a joy to use. The screen is bright, health and fitness tracking are remarkably accurate (especially the revamped sleep tracking), and even satellite messaging for emergencies is supported on the cellular model. Battery life comfortably lasts a day and a half, and the new dock-style charger is impressively fast – you can achieve over 50% charge in just 15 minutes. Be aware, however, that Google has changed the charger again, making older cables incompatible.
The standout feature is "Raise to Talk" with Gemini. Simply lift your wrist, and you can engage with the AI assistant without needing to say a hotword or press a button. While the gesture can be a bit finicky, it’s a more natural way to interact.
While some features are exclusive to Pixel phones (like camera control and call screening), the core functionality of the Pixel Watch 4 makes it an excellent choice for any Android user.
Key Specs:
- Case Size: 41mm or 45mm
- Compatibility: Android
- Connectivity: Cellular, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi options
- Straps: Proprietary
- Top Health Features: Heart-rate tracking, loss-of-pulse alerts, irregular heart rate notifications, blood oxygen sensing, skin temperature sensing, ECG, sleep tracking, cycle tracking, fall detection, crash detection.
An Affordable Apple Watch Option: Apple Watch SE 3
Price: $249 ($200 on Amazon)
For iPhone users who want the Apple Watch experience without the premium price tag, the new Apple Watch SE 3 is a fantastic choice. It’s a solid upgrade if you’re coming from an older model, and it also makes an excellent first smartwatch for kids or parents. Powered by the same S10 chip as the Series 11, it offers smooth performance but with a curated set of features to keep costs down.
You’ll notice slightly chunkier bezels around the display and the familiar 18-hour battery life. However, at $249, you’re still getting a remarkably capable smartwatch that benefits from the latest watchOS updates, including features like Workout Buddy, Sleep Score, and convenient wrist-flick gestures for managing notifications and timers.
Key Specs:
- Case Size: 40mm or 44mm
- Compatibility: iOS
- Connectivity: Cellular, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi options
- Straps: Proprietary
- Top Health Features: Heart-rate tracking, irregular heart rate notifications, sleep apnea notifications, skin temperature sensing, sleep tracking, cycle tracking, fall detection, crash detection.
Best for Samsung Loyalists: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 & Watch 8 Classic
Price: $350 ($280 on Amazon for 40mm)
If you’re deeply invested in the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Watch 8 series is your natural choice. While the new "squircle" design and proprietary straps might not be for everyone, these watches run the latest Wear OS 6, offering a refined and glanceable interface. The addition of Gemini as a voice assistant is also a welcome enhancement.
The series includes a 40mm and 44mm model, as well as the Watch 8 Classic, which features Samsung’s beloved physical rotating bezel – a tactile delight for navigating the interface. While the smallest model exhibited disappointing battery life in testing, the 44mm and Classic versions offer closer to two full days of use on a single charge.
Samsung’s health and fitness tracking remain top-notch, with accurate heart rate monitoring, solid sleep tracking, and precise dual-frequency GPS. However, some of the newer health features, like the AGEs index and Antioxidant Index, are still finding their footing in terms of practical utility. The new Vascular Load metric shows promise but requires consistent wear and sleep contact.
It’s important to remember that some advanced health features, such as ECG and sleep apnea tracking, are exclusive to Samsung phones.
Key Specs:
- Case Size: 40mm or 44mm; Classic is 46mm
- Compatibility: Android (core features exclusive to Samsung phones)
- Connectivity: Cellular, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi options
- Straps: Proprietary
- Top Health Features: Heart-rate tracking, irregular heart rate notifications, blood oxygen sensing, sleep apnea notifications, skin temperature sensing, sleep tracking, ECG, cycle tracking, fall detection.
Best for iPhone Weekend Warriors: Apple Watch Ultra 3
Price: $780 (Amazon)
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 retains its crown as the ultimate smartwatch for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes who prioritize battery life and ruggedness. The standout improvement is the significantly extended battery life, now offering up to 42 hours on a full charge. This makes it ideal for multi-day adventures, allowing you to navigate, track activities, and even use the new satellite messaging feature without battery anxiety.
This feature, exclusive to the Ultra 3, enables you to send texts and contact emergency services in areas without cellular reception, provided you have a clear view of the sky. Beyond the battery and connectivity, the Ultra 3 is essentially the same beast as its predecessors: exceptionally durable, with the largest display of any Apple Watch – perfect for viewing detailed offline maps. It also maintains the robust three-mic array and dual speakers for enhanced audio, and it’s still dive-ready.
While the larger, thicker case might be overkill for some, if you spend significant time in the great outdoors and demand the longest battery life an Apple Watch can offer, the Ultra 3 is the undisputed choice.
Key Specs:
- Case Size: 49mm
- Compatibility: iOS
- Connectivity: Cellular, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi options
- Strap: Proprietary
- Top Health Features: Hypertension notifications, heart-rate tracking, irregular heart rate notifications, sleep apnea notifications, blood oxygen sensing, skin temperature sensing, ECG, sleep tracking, cycle tracking, fall detection, crash detection.
Best Battery Life Smartwatch: OnePlus Watch 3
Price: $350 ($250 on Amazon)
Battery anxiety is a common smartwatch woe, but the OnePlus Watch 3 aims to banish it. This Wear OS smartwatch boasts an incredible five-day battery life, thanks to its innovative silicon-carbon battery technology and dual-engine architecture. I consistently lost only about 25% of the battery per day, even with regular use, which is truly impressive.
Beyond its endurance, it offers the full suite of Wear OS features, including taking calls, using Google Assistant, and responding to notifications. OnePlus has also stepped up its health and fitness tracking with an improved heart rate monitor, fall detection, irregular heart rate notifications, and skin temperature sensing. An ECG feature is included but unavailable in the US and Canada.
For those who find the 47mm size a bit large, a more compact 43mm version is available. While it offers slightly less battery life, it’s still excellent for its size, typically lasting two to two-and-a-half days. Both sizes offer reliable health tracking that won’t leave you scrambling for a charger.
Key Specs:
- Case Size: 43mm or 47mm
- Compatibility: Android
- Connectivity: Bluetooth/Wi-Fi
- Straps: 22mm quick release (47mm) | 18mm quick release (43mm)
- Top Health Features: Heart-rate tracking, irregular heart rate notifications, blood oxygen sensing, skin temperature sensing, sleep tracking, cycle tracking, fall detection.
Best Fitness Watch: Garmin Vivoactive 6
Price: $300 ($250 on Amazon)
Garmin has long been a leader in the fitness tracking space, and the Vivoactive 6 continues that legacy. While it offers a sleeker design and more intuitive operation than many traditional fitness watches, its strength lies in its proprietary Garmin metrics like Body Battery and Training Readiness. It’s packed with features for serious athletes: built-in GPS, heart-rate monitor, blood oxygen measurements, sleep tracking, and an impressive 80 activity profiles. The battery life is also a standout, lasting around a week on a single charge.
On the smartwatch front, it pairs with both iOS and Android. Android users can respond to texts with the on-screen keyboard, but neither platform can access third-party apps. Garmin Pay offers convenient contactless payments, allowing you to leave your phone and wallet at home.
Key Specs:
- Case Size: 42mm
- Compatibility: iOS and Android
- Connectivity: Bluetooth/Wi-Fi
- Straps: 20mm quick release
- Top Health Features: Heart-rate tracking, blood oxygen sensing, sleep tracking, cycle tracking, fall detection.
Best Budget Smartwatch: CMF Watch 3 Pro
Price: $99 ($79 on Amazon)
Nothing, known for its stylish and affordable tech, delivers a compelling budget smartwatch with the CMF Watch 3 Pro. This sub-brand offering is a joy to use, boasting excellent battery life (up to two weeks on a single charge), bright screens, and fun watch faces. The new optical heart rate sensor is remarkably accurate, consistently matching readings from premium devices like the Oura Ring.
It’s a fully-featured smartwatch with gesture controls, onboard microphones for calls, a voice assistant, and even a flashlight. The health suite is comprehensive, including dual-band GPS for accurate outdoor tracking and neat animations for health measurements. While the build materials feel more utilitarian than premium, and the companion app can be a bit quirky, the CMF Watch 3 Pro offers exceptional value for its price point.
Key Specs:
- Case Size: 47mm
- Compatibility: iOS and Android
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Straps: 22mm quick release
- Top Health Features: Heart-rate tracking, blood oxygen sensing, sleep tracking, cycle tracking.
Best Kids’ Watch: Fitbit Ace LTE
Price: $180 ($100 on Amazon)
Finding a safe and reliable smartwatch for children can be a minefield. The Fitbit Ace LTE stands out as a highly recommended option, prioritizing children’s privacy with strict data handling policies. Fitbit commits to not storing children’s health data for research, and location history is deleted after 24 hours, with all health data purged after 30 days.
A $10 monthly subscription covers cellular connectivity, eliminating the need for a separate carrier plan. Kids can make calls and send texts to pre-approved contacts through the Fitbit Ace app, and their location can be shared via Google Maps. The watch introduces gamified fitness tracking with Fitbit Arcade and a Tamagotchi-like virtual pet, encouraging activity through engaging gameplay. Robust parental controls, including a "School Time" mode, ensure features are limited when needed. It’s a fantastic way to foster independence while providing parents with peace of mind.
Key Specs:
- Case Size: 40mm
- Compatibility: iOS and Android
- Connectivity: Cellular plan required, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi
- Straps: Proprietary
- Top Health Features: Activity tracking, heart-rate tracking.
Best Barely Smart Watch: Casio Pro Trek PRG-340B
Price: $260 ($220 on Amazon)
For those who appreciate the simplicity and durability of a traditional timepiece but want a touch of modern utility, the Casio Pro Trek PRG-340B is a compelling choice. Designed for the outdoors, this watch looks smart even in urban settings. Its "Tough Solar" charging means you’ll never need a charging cable – it powers itself with sunlight.
While it doesn’t offer notifications or heart rate tracking, it excels at its core functions: precise timekeeping, a stopwatch, and essential outdoor metrics like barometric pressure, altitude, and temperature. The compass is invaluable for navigation. The LCD is highly readable, and the auto-LED light is a handy feature. It’s a testament to Casio’s robust engineering, offering essential functionality without the complexities of a full-fledged smartwatch.
Key Specs:
- Case Size: 54mm
- Compatibility: None
- Connectivity: None
- Straps: 23mm quick-release
- Top Health Features: None.
The Calculator Watch: Casio CA53W-1CR
Price: $40 ($30 on Amazon)
Sometimes, the smartest feature is a practical one. The Casio CA53W-1CR Calculator Watch is a classic for a reason. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and features a surprisingly functional calculator – perfect for splitting bills or impressing friends with your quick math skills. Beyond its calculating prowess, it offers a stopwatch, alarm, and dual time zones. With a remarkable five-year battery life and an automatic calendar that extends to 2099, this watch is built to last.
Key Specs:
- Case Size: 43mm
- Compatibility: None
- Connectivity: None
- Strap: 20mm quick release
- Top Health Features: None.
Other Smartwatches Worth Considering:
- TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5 ($1,900): A luxury smartwatch with premium materials and a proprietary OS, offering a refined experience for those who value style and brand heritage.
- Withings ScanWatch 2 ($370): An analog smartwatch with robust health tracking. Its HealthSense 4 OS offers improved accuracy and predictive features, though advanced insights require a subscription.
- Apple Watch Series 10 ($392): Still a strong contender, offering many features of the Series 11 but with 18-hour battery life. A great buy if found at a significant discount.
- Google Pixel Watch 3 ($270): Now heavily discounted, it’s a great smartwatch with FDA-cleared loss-of-pulse detection, especially the 45mm version for better battery life. Note: not repairable.
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($763): A solid alternative to the Ultra 3, offering excellent battery life and ruggedness at a lower price point if you don’t need the absolute latest features.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 ($570): Samsung’s rugged competitor to the Apple Watch Ultra, offering premium build quality and good battery life for Android users.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 ($274): A more standard offering with updated sleep tracking and FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection (Samsung phone required). Battery life can be a challenge.
- Casio G-Shock Master of G Rangeman GPR-H1000 ($500): A durable G-Shock with a range of sensors and GPS, offering basic smart features and excellent battery life.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch FE ($175): An affordable entry into Wear OS smartwatches, offering core health sensors and decent functionality for its price.
- OnePlus Watch 2 ($245): Last year’s model, still a strong contender with good battery life and Wear OS. Health tracking accuracy can be mixed, so it’s not ideal for serious athletes.
Choosing the right smartwatch is a personal journey. Consider your primary needs – whether it’s seamless phone integration, advanced health tracking, extended battery life, or a stylish accessory. With this comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped to find the perfect smart companion for your wrist in 2025.